Question

a marine biologist studies animal migration habits. she uses a tracking system to record the positions of various animals. the elevations of three of these animals at 2:00 p.m. are shown in the table.
animal | elevation (ft )
gray whale | -46
sandhill crane | 70
striped dolphin | -20
which animal is closest to sea level?
gray whale sandhill crane striped dolphin

Explanation:

Step1: Understand sea level elevation

Sea level is at 0 ft elevation. We need to find the animal with elevation closest to 0.

Step2: Calculate absolute values

• Gray whale: $|-45| = 45$
• Sandhill crane: $|70| = 70$
• Striped dolphin: $|20| = 20$

Step3: Compare absolute values

20 (striped dolphin) < 45 (gray whale) < 70 (sandhill crane). So the striped dolphin's elevation is closest to 0 (sea level).

Answer:

striped dolphin